H-1B visa: The US government has introduced a new $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visas, but it applies only to new applicants. Existing H-1B visa holders are not affected by this fee. People who are traveling, visiting other countries, or returning to the US, including trips to India, do not need to rush back before Sunday or pay the new fee. The $100,000 charge is applicable solely to those applying for a new H-1B visa, while current visa holders can continue without any changes.
US President Donald Trump announced a new rule called “Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.” The rule changes the H-1B visa program and adds a $100,000 yearly fee for new applications. This fee will start at 12:01 am on September 21, 2025. Immigration lawyers and companies are advising H-1B holders or their families outside the US to return quickly. The new fee is much higher than the current $2,000–5,000 range. Many people are worried about how this will affect startups, small businesses, and Indian IT professionals. The government also warned that the fee could cause problems for skilled Indian workers and their families in the US.
Senior US Administration official to ANI: Those who are visiting or leaving the country, or visiting India, they don't need to rush back before Sunday or pay the $100,000 fee. $100,000 is only for new and not current existing holders. pic.twitter.com/dMRyefnvUu
— ANI (@ANI) September 20, 2025
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In an official statement, the spokesperson said to the ANI, that the full implications are being studied, noting that Indian industry has already put out an initial analysis clarifying some perceptions related to the H-1B program.“Industry in both India and the US has a stake in innovation and creativity and can be expected to consult on the best path forward,” the statement said. It highlighted that talent mobility has contributed enormously to technology development, innovation, economic growth, competitiveness, and wealth creation in both countries.“Policymakers will therefore assess recent steps taking into account mutual benefits, which include strong people-to-people ties between the two countries,” the spokesperson added.
